#ABY R.2 October 2020
Hussong Mfg. Co., Inc. • Kozy Heat Fireplaces
FIREWOOD SELECTION AND CONSIDERATIONS
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8.0 FIREWOOD SELECTION AND CONSIDERATIONS
8.1 Materials that should not be burned
DO NOT BURN
(1) Garbage;
(2) Lawn clippings or yard waste;
(3) Materials containing rubber, including tires;
(4) Materials containing plastic;
(5) Waste petroleum products, paints or paint thinners, or asphalt
products;
(6) Materials containing asbestos;
(7) Construction or demolition debris;
(8) Railroad ties or pressure-treated wood;
(9) Manure or animal remains;
(10) Salt water driftwood or other previously salt water saturated
materials;
(11) Unseasoned wood; or
(12) Paper products, cardboard, plywood, or particleboard. The
prohibition against burning these materials does not prohibit
the use of fire starters made from paper, cardboard, saw dust,
wax and similar substances for the purpose of starting a fire in
an affected wood heater. Burning these materials may result in
release of toxic fumes or render the heater ineffective and cause
smoke.
8.2 Preparing and Purchasing Firewood
WARNING: FOR USE WITH SOLID FUEL ONLY.
Only use solid wood or processed solid fuel firelogs. If processed solid
fuel firelogs are used, do not poke or stir logs while they are burning. Use
only firelogs that have been evaluated for the application in fireplace,
and refer to firelog warnings and caution markings on packaging prior
to use.
Some fuels, such as charcoal, may generate carbon monoxide, a
dangerous, odorless gas. Exposure to carbon monoxide may cause
serious illness or death.
8.2.1 What is good firewood?
Good firewood has been cut to the correct length for the fireplace,
split into a range of sizes for different types of burns, and stacked
in the open until its moisture content is between 15 to 20 percent.
Purchasing a wood moisture meter is recommended.
You may hear the term “seasoned firewood,” which refers to wood
that has been left out to dry. Higher efficiencies and lower emissions
generally result when burning seasoned firewood that is in between
the specified moisture content (15% to 20%).
Firewood that is not dry enough can lead to undesirable effects.
Burning green or unseasoned wood produces more creosote,
resulting in more maintenance for the homeowner to have the
chimney cleaned. Unseasoned wood makes starting a fire difficult
and will make the glass door dirtier.
8.2.2 Types of wood
When looking at the different types of wood, you will find out that
species of trees are referenced as either hardwood or softwood. The
species of the firewood is less important than its moisture content.
Hardwoods are denser than softwoods. Hardwood will burn a little
longer and slower than softwood.
When homeowners have access to both hardwood and softwood,
they can burn specific wood depending on the climate and type of
fire they desire. During milder weather, typically in fall and spring,
softwood can be burned for a quicker fire with less heat. Hardwoods
can be best used for colder winter weather.
8.2.3 Log length and size
Logs should be cut at least 1” (25mm) shorter than the firebox. This
will ensure the logs can be easily loaded into the firebox. Splitting
firewood is important for effective drying of the firewood, but also for
fireplace operation. When firewood is split, it will dry much faster than
large, unsplit pieces. Wood should be split into various sizes, as you
will want smaller split pieces for kindling compared to loading the
fireplace for an extended burn.
8.2.4 Drying firewood
Some things to consider when drying wood:
(1) Firewood takes a long time to dry,
(2) Firewood bought from a dealer or a reputable seller may still not
be dry enough to burn, check the moisture level when you get
home,
(3) Drying happens faster in dry weather climates – if you are located
in maritime climates it will take longer to dry your wood,
(4) Small pieces will dry faster than larger pieces,
(5) Split pieces will dry faster than unsplit pieces,
(6) Softwoods generally dry faster than hardwoods,
(7) Firewood dries faster when it is stacked in the open, compared to
being stacked inside a wood shed where there is no airflow.
Figure 8.1, Split, stacked wood